"Sister-in-law has so many nice things! It dazzles the eyes to look at them! Truly, each item is lovely!" Shi Yumei chuckled in admiration, then said, "Why not just pick a couple of items at random, sister-in-law? Anything goes!"
Sang Wan naturally refused to do so, knowing that no matter what she chose, it would not please Shi Yumei. So it was better to let her pick herself. After all, these things weren’t truly hers, and she wouldn’t feel heartache if others took them away.
Seeing her insistence on picking herself, Shi Yumei couldn’t help but smile and, without any formality, chose the mutton-fat white jade hairpin that Sang Wan had worn on her bun the day she arrived, two strings of eighteen jadeite bracelets—one inlaid with rubies and the other with pearls—a pair of jewel-embedded phoenix-and-paulownia hairpins with layered wires, and a pair of gold ear-hoop earrings inlaid with rubies.
While Shi Yumei was picking, she covertly observed Sang Wan’s expression, feeling somewhat bored as she did not see any signs of distress or reluctance. Upon closer examination, Sang Wan’s expression seemed genuinely unaffected, which made Shi Yumei feel somewhat remorseful, thinking that it was enough to teach her a lesson and decided to stop there.
"Being so generous as a younger sister-in-law really makes me, as your older sister-in-law, feel embarrassed! I didn’t bring any gifts for you, yet I picked out your items first! Others wouldn’t know what to say about me if they saw this!" Shi Yumei said with a mix of sincerity and jest.
"How could that be!" Sang Wan hurriedly laughed, "You are the eldest daughter of Shi Mansion, the young master’s own sister, and hence my own sister as well! Sister, you speak too modestly!" Sang Wan said, then called Hong Ye to find a rosewood jewelry box inlaid with crushed jade raden and designed with branching florals, placed the jewelry that Shi Yumei had chosen inside, and instructed Cui Zhu to hold it.
Shi Yumei found these words to her liking and saw that the jewelry box was not only made of fine material and looked beautiful on the outside but was also lined with bright red velvet padding, perfectly divided into small compartments, each designed to hold an item, showing thoughtful consideration. Clearly, it was also a piece of considerable value. Sang Wan offering it so openly and voluntarily made her feel a bit lost as to her intentions. Yet the resentment brewing inside her unexpectedly dissipated quite a bit.
"Right," Sang Wan smiled, "The young master already mentioned to me that in a few days, the banana garden will be cleaned up for elder sister and brother-in-law to live in. Once it’s cleaned, I hope elder sister can join me to look over it and see what needs to be added! After all, I don’t know your tastes as well as you do, so it’s better for you to see for yourself!"
Upon hearing "brother-in-law," Shi Yumei felt a bit uncomfortable and laughed, "Sure! However, I’m a bit picky, and I’m afraid that my sister-in-law might find me troublesome and complain when the time comes!"
"Elder sister, you jest! That would never happen!" Sang Wan laughed.
"Then that’s settled!" Shi Yumei chuckled, "Since sister-in-law is busy, I won’t bother you any longer! I’ll take my leave now!"
"Elder sister, please take care! Come and visit when you have time!" Sang Wan exhaled in relief and personally saw her out.
During the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet in the evening, members from both sides of the family had dinner together in Mrs. Wang’s main courtyard. Everyone in the household was present, except for Gu Fangzi.
In the peony garden, Gu Fangzi dined alone on simple vegetable dishes, looking out the window at the moonlight, bright as a jade plate, hanging high above the clear skies over an azure sea, casting a clear radiance on the ground, speckling the branches and leaves.
Looking up at the moon and then pitying herself, Gu Fangzi couldn’t help but feel her eyes reddening. The surroundings were eerily silent, with only the occasional breeze brushing by, rustling the leaves and branches. In this hush, she felt as though she could hear the joyful laughter and clinking of glasses from the Shi family’s festive gathering, which, contrasted with the gloomy atmosphere around her and her servant, felt all the more desolate and wretched.
Everyone else ignoring her was one thing, but even her cousin didn’t come to see her, not even a word of greeting! Gu Fangzi couldn’t help but grow resentful in her heart, completely unaware that Shi Fengju had just rushed back from Meng County shortly before dinner.
It must be that wretched Sang Wan’s doing!
Imagining Sang Wan at this very moment, adorned with luxurious jewels and exuding happiness by Shi Fengju’s side, Gu Fangzi felt seething hatred.
At the main courtyard’s banquet, Ren Zhixian was much more well-behaved, and since neither he nor his wife caused any issues, the meal went by in a joyous and harmonious manner.
Shortly after the meal, the family headed to the Furong Pavilion by the water, where a theater troupe had set up an outdoor stage for a play. While enjoying the moon and chatting, they also listened to the opera, adding to the festive atmosphere.